Stonegate Kennels - Boerboel Breeder

Testimonials

Mace

To start out with, I would like to thank Annette for everything. She has been there for me for anything I needed since we purchased our dog, Mace. Not only has she supported us with Mace, she has addressed other questions we had regarding our other Boerboel that was purchased from another breeder. I'm very grateful for her support. I know that she will be there for me if I need her. She has made it very clear that if there is anything she can do to help me, to let her know.

My husband is a dog handler for the Special Ops for the Army and is never home. It seems that he is always on deployment orders or on assignment for training in other states. I have found I am doing a lot of stuff by myself. That includes raising a dog, that when purchased, was to be my husband's dog and I was not to forget it. The joke is on him because Mace is such a mamma's boy.

There are so many positive things I could tell about Mace. Not only his he such a great looking dog, he also has an outstanding temperament. Mace has always been the easiest dog to train. It almost seemed to me that he was on auto-learn. Sometimes I know that Mace can read my mind and just does what he should without being told to do so.

Mace and my son Corbin have grown-up together and are best friends. Not only is Mace his best friend, he is his guardian angel. In the summer of 2007 Corbin was diagnosed with Autism. In every appointment we have had with different doctors and therapists, we have discussed the value of Corbin's interactions with family pets. I really didn't ever think of what a big part Mace played in his life until we started developing Corbin's therapy plans, which includes Mace.

Before all of this took place, Corbin, Mace and I would be outside and Corbin would take me by the hand back into the house so he could play with Mace. Watching from the door or window I never would worry that Mace would do anything to Corbin, it was the total opposite. No matter what Corbin dishes out on Mace, like burying him in the sand, Mace just takes it, and loves it.

Corbin has a very limited vocabulary, but one of the few words he can say is Mace. I can ask him if he would like to play with Mace or Jenna, our other dog. He makes it very clear that he wants Mace with him. If Corbin had his way Mace would be with him 24/7. I'm sure that Mace feels the same about Corbin because if Corbin's door is cracked open at night Mace will go in Corbin's room and go to sleep either next to his crib or under it.

After all is done for the day and Corbin is in bed, I can vent my frustrations to Mace and he just sits there listening, cocking his head back and forth. Mace acts like he understands. He always brings a smile or a good laugh for me when I need it the most.

I could go on forever about Mace and what a perfect dog he is for our family. I could not ask for better breeder as well. Annette truly loves the Boerboel breed and cares about her babies.

Adrienne Jack

Ashia George

Hi, I'm sure that when you asked me to keep you updated on the puppy, you didn't think I would update you today, but I just wanted to tell you how pleased everyone is with her. We have chosen a name, Ashia. It is Somali for Hope. When the kids came home today, she came to life, playing and running and jumping. It was fun to watch, everyone had a ball. She has adjusted quite well, and you can tell she already feels like part of the family. She has been a bit mouthy today, but that is expected from a little puppy. She has also done fairly well about doing her business outside. She has had a few accidents, but again, that is to be expected. She doesn't like our cold weather here. She would much rather be inside. And, she isn't very graceful on ice, or our kitchen floor. She has a favorite toy already and is doing great. I just want to thank you for breeding such great dogs, both physically and in temperment, and being a great help with educating me and my family. You are a true example of what a breeder of any breed should be. Thank you again for the beautiful, fantastic dog. She is everything we have wanted and more.

I have a couple of reasons for this message, first off I will send you some more recent pics in the next day or so. I have a really cute picture of my daughter and Ashia taking a nap together that I will send you.
I also wanted to give you an update. Ashia is growing fast. Her front has caught up with her back, and she has a very straight top line now. If she continues to grow evenly, she will be a very straight and broad dog. She also doesn't look like she is going to have much of a tall skinny stage like a lot of big dogs. She is growing so evenly in all directions; all her proportions are spot on.
As far as temperament goes, I'll tell you a short story to let you know what that is like. I had strep throat VERY badly a week after we got her. For 2 days while I was down, she did nothing but lay by the couch with me. She would occasionally put her head on the couch and lick my hand, but unless she was going to the bathroom, eating, or drinking, she was by my side. She has also been great with the kids and our other dogs. She loves to run in circles with the kids. She doesn't bite them or knock them over, just runs with them. She does love a good wrestling match, tug of war with her rope, and of course, she loves her cuddle time. We have had her around quite a few other dogs of various temperaments, and she has done extremely well. We have some dogs that are very vocal, and act aggressive to people walking past their fence near us, and I wanted to see what she would do around them. We walked up to the fence and the dogs were growling and barking and going nuts, and she just sat in front of me and watched them. I was impressed; she didn't hide or act nervous.
I can't get over how fast she learns too. She knows that before she comes inside, she has to sit at the door first. This has become automatic for her now. She has done well on a leash the few times I have taken her for walks, and knows how to heel, and to sit when I stop. She can also come, sit, lay down, stay (even when she can't see me she stays for about 2 minutes which is good for a 12 week old dog), shake, and roll over, and she definitely knows the word no.
Ashia is doing very well in all aspects, and we are all 100% happy and thrilled with her. There is always one special dog in your life that no matter what you can never replace, Kate may have been that dog for you. I always thought it was my Rotti, we were best friends and did everything together. I'm finding a lot of the same qualities in Ashia, and doing a lot of the same things with her. She is a fantastic dog to say the least, and I'm not quite sure yet, but she may have equaled my rotti. I told my wife, if her personality keeps developing like it has, and she keeps learning so fast and being such a great dog and friend, she may surpass him, but I'll have to wait and see. New pics will be coming in a day or so. Thanks again for the great dog, she's wonderful.

Mike, Angie, Mia, Gabriel, and Ashia George

Steve Cowan and Iggy:

I recently got a puppy from Stonegate Kennels and wanted to say how happy I am. This is my first Boerboel, and Annette was very patient with me, answering all my questions, and giving helpful advice, even before I committed to purchase from her.

Annette really loves her dogs, as was evident when I visited. Aside from the high SABT numbers, their dogs really are part of the family.

Wonderful calm, confident temperaments The puppies all looked healthy, happy and stress free. I am very happy with my puppy. He is doing great, and the vet was very impressed with him on our first visit.I would encourage anyone who is considering getting a Boerboel to talk with Annette at Stonegate. Steve Cowan and Iggy

Steve Cowan and Iggy
Henderson, Nevada

Jason Wilkes, Bailey Jordan, and Capone

We bought our first Boerboel puppy from Annette almost a year ago and have been nothing but thoroughly impressed with her, her dogs, and ours as well. She took more than enough time to answer all of our questions and concerns and do more than we expected from a kennel. She met with us numerous times to let us look at the puppies and was very eager to help us at least learn about the breed!Capone is now 11 months old and weighs 122 pounds, he is incredible, his temperament, behavior, and nature in general are all that we could ever ask for! Once we get more land for him to run, we will be in the market for another Boerboel from Annette!Out of all of the breeders that I talked to, she is definitely the most eager to talk about the breed, teach about them, and help prospective buyers. Good luck with your Boerboel pup and see you at the shows!

Thanks Annette!
Jason, Bailey, Capone, Bella, and Roxy!

Below are pictures of Capone @ 3 years old .

Wende Everhart and Moolah

Moolah, or "Boy Wonder" as we call him came, into my life on July 24th, 2005 and it hasn't been the same since!

I just happened upon the Boerboel breed by accident as I was surfing the web one day. I have always wanted a large breed dog and the time had come in my life where I was able to get one. I wanted a good tempered, smart dog who was gentle with kids and would guard my house.

I was fortunate enough to find Stonegate Kennels. Annette and I talked on the phone and she answered all of my questions. As a matter of fact, I called several different times and emailed her with questions because I wanted to make sure the Boerboel was the dog for me. She allowed me to come to visit her and her dogs. All I can say is WOW!, what an experience. When we pulled up and got out, the dogs were in the back yard barking at us very sternly. But as soon as we were let in the gate by Annette, they immediately calmed down. I brought my 2 nephews with me to see the temperament of the dogs. One of the females followed my 3 yr old nephew around like he was her pup, or like they were best friends. She was very gentle. As a matter of
fact, all of the dogs were very gentle with us. You could tell that these dogs were her pets whom she loves very dearly. I left very impressed. I was impressed with Annette and how loving she was with her dogs and I was impressed with the Boerboel breed. Her dogs were everything I wanted.

So on May 29th, when I got the phone call that Moolah was born, I was the
happiest person. I had been anticipating this day for months.
Moolah has been a true blessing to my family. He is a true companion. He
wants to be by my side 24/7. And when we are around my nephews he is playful, yet gentle. He and my 3 yr old nephew are the best of friends.
He is the most sociable animal EVER! Everywhere we go he is the center of attention. Everybody has to ask about him or rub him. And he loves it! And I have to say the most trainable dog I've had. He is really smart, (which is why we call him Boy Wonder). As far as his size goes he's definitely a big boy! I weighed him when he turned 7 months and he weighed 115 pounds. And that's 115 pounds of pure muscle and pride. That boy knows how to strut his stuff.

I am probably more happy with the Boerboel breed then any other that I've owned because I've gotten exactly what I was wanting. And as far as Annette goes, I have never dealt with a breeder that knows so much and wants to educate people about the breed as she does. Truly a great
investment to the breed itself.

To this date, I can still ask questions, and she always has time for me.
Thanks Annette for teaching me and giving me the most AWESOME dog ever!!!

Wende Everhart and Moolah

Kate and Mojo

I would first and foremost like to thank Annette for introducing me to one of the true loves of my life, the Boerboel. I fell in love with Magnus the minute I saw him and have been lucky enough to have a son of his who looks so much like him it is uncanny.
Annette has been nothing but helpful throughout this journey and is a great source of knowledge. I have seen many boerboels since I got Mojo and I still feel that Magnus and his line are some of the very best there are.
Mojo is a wonderful boy and passed his CGC at 10 months old. He has gone through advanced obedience and has even done some agility training. He has a great work ethic and loves his family! I believe that Annette really loves her dogs and the boerboel breed in general and it shows!

Kate and Mojo

The Green Family & Dozer

While we were looking for a new puppy, we came across information in a magazine about the boerboel. His general description seemed to fit what we were looking for, but since it was the first time we were getting a dog since we had had children, I had a lot of questions. I turned to the internet and that is where I was fortunate enough to come across Annette's webpage. I remember calling her on a Sunday afternoon and we talked for over an hour! It was so evident that she not only loved her dogs, but the breed as a whole. She told me of the Boerboel's great temperment and loyalty to their family - boy was she right! We spent a lot of time over the next few months talking with Annette and researching the boerboel. I was so excited to finally get to pick up our new puppy. When I met Magnus, Dozer's dad, I was speechless. He was beautiful, fierce looking, but relaxed immediately once he heard Annette's voice. He was gorgeous and had a great temperment and his offspring seem to take after him.
We named our new puppy Dozer and he has been an amazing addition to our family. He is extremely intelligent and learns incredibly fast - even our trainer at PetSmart fell in love with him! (She is even considering getting a boerboel herself.) Dozer wins everyone over the minute they meet him. He is large and looks intimidating, but is really so gentle and loving. Dozer is convinced that people were only put here to love on him. He loves to lean into your leg to make sure you don't stop petting him. Dozer is happiest when he is with his family, just being one of us. He is very laid back in general, but he has started to show his natural protective instincts over the last few months. There have been a couple of times at night where he heard noises that he didn't like. It was amazing to watch his natural instincts take over as he "puffed up", made a real low sound in his throat, and positioned himself between the trouble and us. He was ready to stand between us and whatever the trouble was until we let him know that all was clear. What an amazing transformation from friend to protector!
Annette has been totally amazing from before we decided on a boerboel till now. We talk regularly and she is always eager for news of Dozer. She never minds answering questions, regardless of how trivial. It is obvious that she still has a special place in her heart for all of her boerboels whether, they live with her or hundreds of miles away. Dog magazines will tell you the qualities of a good breeder - Annette meets and exceeds all of them! I could not be happier with our experience with Annette and Dozer and would recommend Stonegate Kennels to anyone who is looking for an amazing dog.

Sincerely,
The Green Family & Dozer
Sachse, TX

Eric and Angela Crawford

Annette,

I don't think I could write a letter long enough of find a word in the dictionary that even come close to describing how happy and thankful my wife and I are for the opportunity to purchase a puppy from you. The past week since we picked up Simba from the airport has been a dream. He is so cute and just loves to cuddle and fall asleep in our arms (won't be doing that for long). You weren't kidding when you said he is a happy puppy. He wags his tail and gets excited every time he sees someone. He gets extra excited when he see my wife and I and it means a lot to us. Once my in-laws saw Simba they have called 4 times since we got him for us to bring him over so they can play with him, they even said they would come over to our house just to see the puppy. He is extrememly intelligent, I taught him to come to me when I call and he will sit when I tell him to sit. I even incorporated the 2 together and when I call him he is to come to my feet and sit. He will come and sit every time I call and will do it happily and faithfully. I decided to try and teach these basic commands when I saw him open a door by pawing at it. I could not believe how quickly he caught on. I think the treats helped a lot also. We picked him up Fri and by Monday he was climbing up and down the stairs in the house. He has to take a pause about mid way. He has also grown so much. He could barely lift his head high enough to drink out of the water bowls we have cause they were on a stand now a week later he is bending his head down to drink out of them. We have fallen completely in love with our Boerboel and can't thank you enough.

Thank you again and my God bless you, your family and Stonegate Kennels.

Eric and Angela Crawford

Annette-

Thank you so much for having us to your home. All of your animals are beautiful. It is such a comfort to be dealing with a breeder who truly cares about animals as much you do. There are many factors to weigh when researching a large breed dog. Also, as you know, we had the unfortunate experience of purchasing a Bordeaux Mastiff from a less than reputable breeder. That ordeal left us extremely wary, and we were even considering staying away from bigger dogs all together. Stonegate Kennels has singularly restored our faith that there are still people out there who care more about the animals than the dollar. Even the "barn cats" are beautiful and happy.
This was our second trip out to Stonegate and we were blown away again. If anyone is considering a large breed dog they are doing themselves a disservice by not visiting a few breeders so they can compare apples to apples. The last time we came out we were completely taken with Hoss. This time we were very impressed with Junior, Hoss' son. Baron and Mal i a are so pretty, and have so much potential. However the biggest surprise for us was Bo, he is incredible. The pictures on your website simply do not do him any justice. He is so fluid and athletic. He and Malenga complement each other so nicely- I cannot wait to see their puppies.
Our daughter, Alexandra, loved being at Stonegate- everywhere she turned there was an animal to play with or something new to experience. She already wants to know when we can go back.
Thank you again for your hospitality and we cannot wait for the new addition to our family.

Regards-
David, Glenna, and Alexandra Doyle